The first postage stamp in history bears the image of Queen Victoria and was issued in 1840. Called the Penny Black because of its colour and face value, this gem is very sought-after, as it was issued only for a brief period.
Since it was evident that another stamp was needed, for letters weighing over half an ounce, the Twopenny Blue was also introduced. The two stamps differ only in their colour and face value. As the originator of postage stamps, Great Britain has the privilege of being the only country that does not display its name on its stamps.
The history of the production of the Penny Black is traced here through exceptional pieces from Her Majesty's collection.
= Additional information
Frame 11
Section
Strip of Plate 7 Penny Blacks from the June 1840 trial printing on 26 lbs. to the ream paper, cancelled with a black concentric cancel
Details
